Rakuten Viber, a leading messaging and voice-based communication app, has introduced a new range of business tools specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These new features aim to assist SMEs in engaging with local customers, handling incoming queries, strengthening their digital presence, and driving sales.
The inspiration behind Rakuten Viber’s new business solutions came from the increasing demand for brand-user interaction on the app and the success of their existing Viber Business Accounts product for larger companies. In 2023, Rakuten Viber witnessed a 26% rise in created business accounts and a 31% year-over-year increase in delivered business messages.
Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber, expressed their mission to provide custom services for enterprises of all sizes. According to her, Viber serves as a growth partner for businesses, offering a communication platform that helps them adapt to new challenges throughout their business journey.
David Tse, Senior Director for APAC of Viber, emphasized that the company’s latest business offerings focus on assisting businesses of all sizes in connecting with their customers and expanding their operations.
Rakuten Viber, which belongs to Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in e-commerce and financial services, boasts over 1 billion downloads on Android alone. The app offers various features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and interactions with brands and celebrities.
SMEs can leverage Viber’s new business tools in multiple ways to expand their operations. Firstly, establishing a public business profile on Viber enables businesses to effectively present themselves to potential customers by providing crucial information such as contact details, operating hours, and a concise overview of their products or services.
Another notable feature is the ability to upload a product catalog, allowing businesses to showcase their offerings with brief descriptions, high-resolution images, and clear pricing.
For streamlined communication management, Viber’s dedicated chat folder ensures business communications remain separate from personal interactions. This proves especially beneficial for businesses handling numerous customer inquiries on the platform. Additionally, utilizing the discoverability feature can enhance a business’s visibility to potential customers who are already exploring similar businesses on Viber. Therefore, selecting appropriate categories and keywords during the setup process of the public business profile is crucial.
By utilizing Rakuten Viber’s new business tools, SMEs can expand their customer reach, manage their communications efficiently, and facilitate business growth.